Japanese paper, also known as "Washi," is an exceptional material that fascinates artisans and art lovers worldwide. Known for its fineness , strength , and unique aesthetic , it is used in many fields, from calligraphy to crafts.

Let's discover together its history, its manufacture, its different varieties and applications.

A thousand-year history, a treasure of craftsmanship

THE Washi paper is a traditional Japanese paper, handmade using a craft process that is over 1300 years old. The word Washi (和紙) comes from wa (Japan) and shi (paper), which literally means "Japanese paper" .

Washi paper has its origins in the 7th century, when papermaking techniques, which came from China via Korea, were introduced to Japan by the Buddhist monk Doncho in 610 .

The Japanese quickly adapted this know-how to their environment, using local plant fibers such as kozo, gampi, and mitsumata to create a unique paper: lightweight, strong, and durable. From the Nara period (710–794) onward, Washi became the preferred medium for sacred texts, poems, and official documents. It gradually gained popularity in many fields, from art to interior design.

This traditional know-how, passed down from generation to generation, is still alive today, and was even inscribed in 2014 on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list . A true symbol of Japanese craftsmanship , Washi paper is much more than a material: it is a link between past and present.

Image: Japan and Discoveries

How is Washi paper made?

The making of Japanese Washi paper is a true art that develops in certain regions of Japan such as Echizen , Mino , or Tosa , famous for their papermaking tradition.

It all begins with the harvesting of plant fibers , mainly from the paper mulberry (kozo) , but also sometimes from gampi or mitsumata . These plants are cultivated locally and their long fibers are renowned for their strength and flexibility.

Once harvested, the stems are boiled to soften the fibers and remove impurities. Next, the fibers are carefully washed by hand and then beaten with wooden mallets to soften them and obtain a homogeneous pulp. To this pulp, a natural substance called neri , extracted from a root, is added; this plays a crucial role: it slows the sedimentation of the fibers in the water and facilitates their even distribution.

The master papermaker then proceeds with nagashi-zuki , a traditional hand-making technique. Using a silk-stretched bamboo frame (the su ), he dips the mold into a basin filled with pulp and performs fluid, repetitive movements to form the sheets. This precise and rhythmic gesture allows the fibers to interlock regularly, giving Washi paper its characteristic strength . The freshly formed sheets are then gently pressed to remove the water and naturally dried in the sun on wooden boards.

This slow, entirely manual process results in paper of exceptional quality , with a soft, slightly fibrous texture and a unique appearance. Each handmade sheet of Washi is the product of many hours of work and a deep respect for Japanese traditions.

Image: The Polyhedron

The uses of Japanese paper

Thanks to its many qualities, washi paper finds its place in various fields:

• Art and calligraphy : A medium of choice for artists, it is used for painting, engraving and calligraphy.
  
  
• Interior decoration : It can be found in shoji screens, lampshades and wall coverings.
  
  
• Crafts and DIY : From notebook making to origami, the creative possibilities are endless.
  
• Restoration and conservation : It is used by art restorers to repair old documents or fragile paintings.

Here are several decorative objects made from Japanese Washi paper:

Authentic, handcrafted Washi papers are available in our online shop.

On our website, we offer a selection of authentic Washi papers , made in Japan according to traditional methods. Each sheet is unique, chosen for its quality, texture, and refined patterns.

Our Washi paper kits

Why choose our shop?

• Handcrafted in Japan
  
  
• 100% handmade products
  
  
• Wide selection of traditional Japanese patterns
  
  
• Ideal for origami, scrapbooking, decoration, calligraphy or other
  
  
• Fast and careful delivery